Leopards on a mission
The Platinum Leopards travel to Bloemfontein on Friday as a team on a mission.The mission is simple,after a season and a half in the Premier division of the Currie Cup,they are still searching for an elusive victory over one of the so called big unions.
On friday night the Leopards take on the much more fancied Cheetahs side in Bloemfontein.Both sides need a win desperately,although for very contrasting reasons.The Cheetahs have played six games this season,winning three and losing three.They need to win this game to stay in touch with the teams in contention for the semi-finals.The Leopards on the other hand are yet to win a game in this year.
It will be a big mistake though if the Cheetahs lose focus against the men from Potch,just ask the Bulls what happened at Loftus two weeks ago.The Leopards lost 38-43 in Pretoria and for a big part of the game was the better side.The loss was tough on the “mielie boere” and a week later they got thumped by the Sharks in Rustenburg.
The Cheetahs are also coming of a loss against the Lions at Ellispark where for the second time in three weeks the Cheetas managed to snatch defeat ou of the jaws of victory.Naka Droskie,coach of the Cheetahs publicly admitted that it is frustrating when the players dont stick to the gameplan that worked for 70 minutes
The Leopards travel to Bloem with a new look Lock combination with Lions loan player Bradley Mockford being partnered by Edrich(Draad) Linde.They will be looking at their inspirational loose trio, Riaan Swanepoel,Wilhelm Koch(captain) and Christo van Niekerk to ensure enough ball for their backs.At number 9 they have the in form Michael Bondesio who has had a very good season so far.
The Cheetahs spirits will be bolstered with the return of their Bok flyer Jongi Nokwe on the wing.In another change Sias Ebersohn,twin brother of centre Robert will get his first start in the number 10 jumper and all eyes will be on the youngster to see if he is ready for senior rugby.
The Cheetahs will expect to win this one,but do not be surprised if the Leopards get their act together,like they did against the Bulls and turn this in to a much tighter game than most would think.It will however take a team effort of 80 minutes by team at the bottom of the log to upset the Cheetahs in Bloem.
Article by Spoed Smith
